How to Start a Ministry Website

The Bible indicates in Luke 14:23 that individuals are to go into the "highways and the hedges" and compel others to come so that God's house might be filled. The bible was written thousands of years ago, way before the great technological boom was even conceived in the minds of men. Because of today's technology, the "highways and hedges" might also be considered the Internet. You can reach out to others on the Internet by starting a ministry website. When the site is setup properly, you can compel others to come.

Instructions

Difficulty:

Step 1

Purchase a domain name for your ministry website. The domain name should represent your ministry but should also be rich in keywords. Keywords are words that an Internet user types into search engines. For example, if your ministry's name is "Help Our Children Outreach Ministry," you might consider using "helpourchildrenministry" instead of "helpourchildren." By doing so, when an Internet user searches for "Children Ministry" your website is more likely to be found.

Step 2

Choose a web host for your ministry website. Although you can pay for web hosting, there are many companies that provide free or discounted hosting for ministry and nonprofit websites. When choosing a free or discounted web hosting provider, be sure that you are allowed to bring your own domain name. This will ensure that you are able to use your professional domain name created in the previous step.

Step 4

Add pictures to your ministry website. For example, you may use pictures of your ministry reaching out to others in the community or pictures of your worship services. Add a picture of the ministry leader/founder or other ministry staff.

Step 5

Add text to your ministry website that accurately describes your ministry's beliefs or "Statement of Faith." Add your mission statement or your ministry's vision to the site. You may also add text to include the different outreach programs your ministry provides to the community.

Step 6

Place contact information on your ministry website. This should include a mailing address as well as a physical address. The physical address will let your website visitors know how to find your ministry. Include the ministry telephone number, email address, office hours and service times if applicable.

Step 7

Place a "Donation" or "Offering" link on your ministry website. By doing so, you allow others the opportunity to give to your cause.

Step 8

Upload MP3 files to your ministry website so the website visitor can hear clips of your latest sermons. If you have a YouTube channel, you can also place the link for your YouTube channel on your ministry website.

Step 9

Place a calendar of events page on your website to alert the community of upcoming events you are hosting.

Step 10

Click the "Save" and "Publish" option when you have finished designing your ministry website.

Resources

Tips & Warnings

Spread the word about your new ministry website. Place your website address on all of your ministry correspondence, programs and business cards.

Article Written By Faizah Imani

Faizah Imani, an educator, minister and published author, has worked with clients such as Harrison House Author, Thomas Weeks III, Candle Of Prayer Company and "Truth & Church Magazine." Her dossier includes JaZaMM WebDesigns, assistant high-school band director, district manager for the Clarion Ledger and event coordinator for the Vicksburg Convention Center.